PNG earthquake response
International
Caritas Australia has been working with partners on the ground to respond to the impact of a recent 7.5 magnitude earthquake in Papua New Guinea which killed 150 people and left 270,000 people including 125,000 children, in need of emergency aid.
Caritas is providing urgent shelter and health support, especially in the form of clean water, sanitation and hygiene support (WASH) as well as trauma counselling.
Milton Tyotam Kwaipo, Caritas Australia’s Disaster Response and Management officer, Papua New Guinea, said an outbreak of Dengue fever was of particular concern for the local population as were cases of diarrhoea and dysentery.
“Access to clean water, food and medical resources is still strained and tribal conflict has been exacerbated by these stresses,” he said.
“The Caritas network is working alongside Church partners to respond. At the moment some agencies have suspended response efforts due to the escalating conflict. However, the churches are continuing to provide support despite the ongoing challenges. This highlights the importance of the Church network in the response.”
Caritas is also investing in rebuilding, with efforts underway to rebuild schools, hospitals and houses throughout the Central Highlands Region.
To donate to the Caritas Australia Pacific Emergency Appeal call 1800 024 413 or visit www.caritas.org.au/pacifc-appeal. Cheques can be mailed to GPO Box 9830 Adelaide 5001.
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